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Mirko Bortolotti convincing in Abu Dhabi

Mirko Bortolotti press release

Mirko Bortolotti

Mirko Bortolotti

GP3 Series Media Service

FIA Formula Two champion Mirko Bortolotti has completed his Williams Formula 1 test successfully, setting the seventh fastest lap time on the final day of Formula Ones Young drivers tests in Abu Dhabi…

Mirko Bortolotti
Mirko Bortolotti

Photo by: GP3 Series Media Service

After spending the morning evaluating new aero parts and collecting vital data for the team, the 21-year-old recorded a best time of 1:43.277s in the afternoon, just one tenth shy of Valtteri Bottas' best time from his first day. Bottas is Williams' regular test and reserve driver and has conducted a number of straightline tests for the team this year.

In the closing stages, Bortolotti's final run was interrupted by a late red flag caused by Sauber's Esteban Gutierrez spinning at Turn 3. He nevertheless ended the day seventh overall, four tenths faster than STR returnee Kevin Ceccon, and against a very strong field, with the majority enjoying their second or third day of F1 testing at the Yas Marina circuit.

Mirko Bortolotti:


"Everything was new for me today; the car and the track, so there was a lot to learn. The team had several objectives this morning so I wasn't just focusing on lap time but on getting that work done for Williams' 2012 preparations. We completed that and then moved on to finding performance this afternoon. It has been a really interesting day for me. I have really enjoyed being here with AT&T Williams and I am very happy with the job that we did."

Everything was new for me today; the car and the track

Mirko Bortolotti

Tom McCullough, Williams F1 Race Engineer:


"It has been an excellent final day with Mirko Bortolotti. He did a really good job, improving on each run and iterating down to some good lap times. Overall, he gave excellent feedback, was consistent and is clearly physically fit. We have now completed our three day test and have lots of useful information to take away. The factory have done a great job this week in getting lots of test items out here in order to help our understanding of the FW34 and we can now return to the factory and analyse the data in order to develop the FW34."

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